Meet the Reader: Jon Ryan, Fire Officer (Security Services)

7 April 2011

What are you doing in the picture?

I’m testing a fire extinguisher. Fires can happen easily when people throw lit cigarettes into dustbins. Part of our job involves checking the fire extinguishers each morning, so that we can respond quickly and efficiently to any situation. The fire team can get to anywhere on campus within three minutes. Our fast response means we haven’t needed to call the fire brigade in over a year.

What would you do if you were the editor of Reporter for the day?

I’d make sure the magazine included more features on fire safety, such as case studies of fires that have happened at Imperial in the past. It is an important area to draw people’s attention to. Many people think it’s a minor issue and don’t appreciate that a small fire on campus can affect every aspect of College life.

Who would be your cover star?

It would be nice to see Toni Monte-Colombi, Administration Officer (Security Operations Unit), on the cover. We work hand-in-hand with the Security team and Toni does a great job organising our paperwork. A lot of the hard work she does goes on behind closed doors, so she doesn’t get the credit she deserves.